In Awka, Anambra State, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria partnered with the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANTSACA) and other stakeholders to mark the 2026 International Condom Day on February 13 with a public road walk. The event aimed to raise awareness about HIV prevention, promote responsible sexual behavior, and encourage condom use among residents.
The walk drew health workers, civil society organizations, and government partners, emphasizing the role of community engagement in preventing new HIV infections.
Speaking at the event, AHF Nigeria’s Senior Advocacy and Marketing Manager, Steve Aborishade, highlighted the organization’s global reach and commitment to HIV prevention. “AHF operates in 47 countries, serving over 2.7 million people. In Africa, we are present in 14 countries, including Nigeria. International Condom Day is part of our ongoing efforts to educate the public about HIV and other sexually transmitted infections”, he said.
Aborishade stressed that condoms remain the most effective and affordable tool for preventing HIV. “The only way to end AIDS is by stopping new infections. Today, we are distributing AHF-branded condoms to thousands of residents with a clear message: prevent HIV, stay healthy, and protect yourself and your partner,” he added.
Vivian Sunday, AHF’s State Coordinator in Anambra, underscored the importance of partnerships in the fight against HIV. “We work closely with ANTSACA, SASCAP, NEPWHAN, AHNI, PACA, and other organizations. Advocacy is central to our strategy, especially in a state with an HIV prevalence of 2.4 percent, the highest in the Southeast according to the NAIIS 2018 survey”, she said.
Sunday noted that while abstinence and faithfulness are ideal, correct and consistent condom use is essential for those who cannot follow these practices. “Condoms demonstrate responsibility for your own health and that of your partner, offering protection against HIV, other STIs, and unwanted pregnancies”, she explained.
Project Manager at ANTSACA, John Bosco Ementa, described the road walk as part of a wider effort to achieve epidemic control in Anambra. “Condoms are a tested and trusted prevention tool. By promoting correct and consistent use, we reduce new infections and lessen reliance on treatment. Condoms are widely available in pharmacies, health facilities, and for free at designated centers,” he said.
The event concluded with the distribution of free condoms and educational materials, reinforcing the core message: live responsibly, prevent HIV, and take charge of your health.
